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On May 1, new renters' rights laws came into force in England, bringing major changes to the rental market. Alongside these changes, there is another important thing tenants should check if they are paying - or have already paid - a deposit.

Guidance from MoneySavingExpert, updated on May 1, 2026, says tenancy deposits must be protected.

MSE explains: "For the majority of private tenancies in the UK, the landlord MUST put your deposit into a protection scheme. In England, Wales and Scotland they have to do this within 30 days of getting it. In Northern Ireland they only have 28 days."

This applies if:

• You have an 'assured periodic tenancy' in England (the majority of private tenancies are now this type, as of May 1, 2026)

• You have an 'occupation contract' in Wales, and sent them the deposit on or after April 6, 2007

• You're renting privately in Scotland and your landlord isn't exempt (reasons include if they live with you, or are a close family member)

• You're renting privately in Northern Ireland and sent them your deposit on or after April 1, 2013

MSE note: "If a landlord fails to protect your deposit, they could be ordered to pay you a penalty of up to three times the value".

It notes that one person got back a pretty sum after she checked. MSE told Jenny's story, writing: "My landlord didn't protect my deposit and didn't give it back, so I went to court and got back £4,850 (including court fees) from a £1,020 deposit. It was easy."

If your deposit is in a protection scheme, it means:

• You'll get the full deposit back at the end of the tenancy, provided you've met the terms of the tenancy agreement.

• If you agree with your landlord how much of the deposit you're due, it'll be returned to you within 10 days of the tenancy ending.

• If you DON'T agree with your landlord, a free dispute resolution service will investigate and decide how much of the deposit you should get back.

How can I check my deposit is protected?Before signing your contract, ask your landlord or letting agent which deposit protection scheme they use to make sure your deposit is protected. MSE says that if you've already moved in and the scheme isn't in your contract, you should ask the landlord and get their answer in writing.

• In England and Wales, the authorised schemes are the Deposit Protection Service, My Deposits and Tenancy Deposit Scheme. If you haven't been told which your deposit's protected under within 30 days of paying it, contact them directly to check.

• For Scotland, the schemes are Letting Protection Service Scotland, Safe Deposits Scotland and My Deposits Scotland. See the Scottish Government website for more details.

• In Northern Ireland, the schemes are Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland and My Deposits Northern Ireland. See the NIdirect website for more details.

My deposit is not protected, what should I do?

If your landlord should have protected your deposit but didn't put it in a tenancy deposit protection scheme, you can apply to the county court for help. The court can order the landlord to return your deposit or place it in an official scheme. The landlord may also have to pay you compensation of up to three times the deposit amount.

MSE directs people to Gov.uk, NIdirect and the Scottish Government. It concludes: "If you feel your deposit's being unfairly withheld at the end of your tenancy, it's well worth fighting for."

You can read the full financial guru's tips on renting and depositing on the MSE website.